Franciscan Spirituality

The Weeping Francis, found in the town of Greccio, Italy, is one of the oldest known portraits of St. Francis.

As a young man, Francis of Assisi dreamed of becomming a knight, of achieving fame and fortune, but failure as a soldier dashed those dreams. Burdened by embarrassment and confusion, he hid in caves and prayed for help.

In his Testament Francis tells us how God answered his prayers: "The Lord granted me, Brother Francis, to begin to do penance in this way: While I was in sin, it seemed very bitter to me to see lepers. And the Lord himself led me among them and I had mercy on them. And when I left them, that which seemed bitter to me was changed into sweetness of soul and body."

God led Francis among the poorest people, those held in the lowest regard; seeing their needs made him reflect on his own lifestyle and his preoccupation with himself. And as he worked to lift their burdens, the burden on his heart was lifted. The people he'd been avoiding all his life became his greatest blessing.

Being with the poor, the neglected, gave Francis and his followers renewed faith in God and the Church. Heart by heart they struggled to build a community open to all people, neglecting no one, embracing everyone. Theirs was a vision in which all were sisters and brothers, united with our most loving God, caring deeply for everyone.